Tomato pest: see what the main ones are and solutions

THE tomato pest It is one of the main concerns of producers, as it can cause significant damage, generating financial losses and compromising the sustainability of the crop. 

And, considering that tomato production is a highly relevant agricultural activity, especially in Brazil, one of the world's largest producers of the fruit, it is important to know ways to solve the problem.

Therefore, in this text, we will discuss the main pests that affect tomato plants, their characteristics and the most effective solutions to combat them.

Main tomato pests

The first step in dealing with the problem is to know the main invaders of this type of fruit.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the ones that tend to appear most frequently. That way, you’ll be prepared to identify them as soon as they appear on your plantations.

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Tomato Moth (Tuta absoluta)

THE tomato moth (Tuta absoluta) is one of the most destructive pests for tomato cultivation, and this insect, of South American origin, has spread to several regions of the world due to its high capacity for adaptation and rapid reproduction. 

The problem is that the moth attacks leaves, stems and fruits, causing holes that reduce the quality of the tomato and open the door to secondary diseases.

Thus, studies show that The tomato moth can cause losses of up to 100% of production in uncontrolled crops. 

This is because the pest feeds directly on plant tissues, reducing photosynthetic capacity and, consequently, plant development. 

Furthermore, damage to the fruits makes them unviable for sale, seriously affecting profitability.

To control this tomato pest, it is recommended to use pheromone traps, which help to monitor the insect population. 

It is also possible to adopt biological control with the use of natural predators, such as parasitoid wasps. 

Additionally, alternatively, biological insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis are an effective option, especially when applied in the early stages of infestation.

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

THE whitefly It is a polyphagous pest that attacks several crops, including tomatoes, and this insect is a vector for several viral diseases, such as geminivirus, which can completely compromise the development of plants. 

This is because, whitefly sucks the sap from the leaves, weakening the plants and causing the fruit to fall prematurely.

In addition to direct damage, the pest favors the appearance of sooty mold, a fungus that covers the leaves, impairing photosynthesis and reducing productivity. 

Finally, under favorable conditions, the whitefly can reproduce quickly, generating several generations in a single harvest, which makes control difficult.

To combat this tomato pest, it is important to implement integrated management, combining chemical, biological and cultural control methods. 

In this case, the introduction of natural predators, such as ladybugs, helps to reduce the whitefly population. 

Furthermore, the use of physical barriers, such as screens, and the planting of plant traps, such as crotalaria, can reduce the incidence of the pest.

Aphid (Myzus persicae)

THE aphid, a small, soft-bodied insect, is also a common pest in tomato crops.

This insect feeds on plant sap, causing deformations in the leaves and transmitting viruses that can compromise the development cycle. 

Furthermore, aphids tend to attack mainly the youngest leaves and shoots, reducing plant growth and decreasing productivity.

Studies indicate that aphid infestations can reduce tomato yields by up to 50%, depending on severity. 

Finally, like other sap suckers, the aphid It also favors the development of sooty mold, further aggravating problems related to photosynthesis.

Therefore, integrated management is essential for controlling the aphid, through the use of natural enemies, such as ladybugs and lacewings, is an efficient approach. 

It is also recommended to use vegetable oils and insecticides based on natural extracts, such as neem oil, to contain infestations in the initial stages.

Effective solutions for pest control in tomato plants

Just as important as identifying tomato pests is knowing how to treat them, after all, early treatment offers better opportunities for the plant to recover.

So, see below some efficient strategies.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

THE Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective strategy that combines different control methods to minimize the impact of pests without causing harm to the environment or human health. 

This is because IPM involves constant monitoring of crops, the use of biological controls and the application of chemical pesticides only when necessary.

Thus, this method aims to maintain the pest population at acceptable levels, without total elimination, to avoid resistance.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), IPM has proven to be efficient in controlling pests such as tomato moth and the whitefly, reducing the use of chemical insecticides by up to 70%. 

Therefore, the adoption of this technique also favors the sustainability of tomato cultivation, as it preserves biodiversity and improves soil quality.

++Integrated pest management: what it is and how to do it | AgropecNews.

Use of biological control

THE biological control It is a sustainable alternative to the use of pesticides, which involves the introduction of natural enemies of pests into crops. 

In this case, specific predators, parasites and pathogens are used to control the population of harmful insects. 

Thus, in the case of tomato pest, insects such as parasitoid wasps and ladybugs are great allies in controlling populations of tomato moth and whitefly.

Research carried out by Embrapa shows that the use of beneficial insects can reduce the need for chemical pesticides by up to 50%, reducing production costs and environmental impacts. 

Furthermore, biological control can be complemented by the use of pheromones and traps to monitor the presence of pests in crops.

Crop rotation and cultural practices

Crop rotation is an essential agricultural practice for preventing pests in tomato cultivation. 

This is because, tomato pest It generally develops in conditions where successive planting of the same crop occurs, creating an environment conducive to the accumulation of pests. 

Therefore, by alternating tomato cultivation with other crops, such as beans or corn, the producer can interrupt the pests' life cycle, reducing their population.

Additionally, practices such as adequate spacing between plants and controlled irrigation help prevent the emergence of fungal diseases and the spread of harmful insects.

Finally, keeping the soil healthy, through correct fertilization, is also essential to ensure that plants are more resistant to pests.

Prevention and continuous monitoring

The best prevention for tomato blight is prevention through continuous monitoring.

This is because, in this way, it is possible to ensure that the infestation is identified early on, which favors the application of treatments before the problem worsens.

That said, here are some ideas for keeping your plantation free from invaders.

Monitoring with traps

Monitoring is an essential step in controlling the tomato pest, since traps with pheromones or adhesives help to identify the presence of insects such as tomato moth. 

This allows the producer to take control measures before the infestation reaches critical levels. 

Therefore, monitoring must be done regularly, with weekly inspections during the harvest.

Additionally, the use of yellow sticky traps is effective in monitoring the presence of whitefly, which is attracted to this color.

Therefore, this type of trap can be positioned at strategic points in the plantation, helping to control the pest without the need for chemical interventions.

Use of selective pesticides

When the use of chemical pesticides is necessary, selective products that do not affect the pests' natural enemies should be chosen. 

Defensives based on Bacillus thuringiensis, for example, are highly effective against tomato moth, without causing harm to other beneficial insects. 

Furthermore, biological pesticides have a reduced environmental impact, making them a sustainable option for pest control.

Education and training of producers

The training of producers is essential for the success of pest management, and the adoption of sustainable practices, such as Integrated Pest Management, is only possible with adequate knowledge. 

According to the FAO, education programs aimed at small and medium-sized producers have been shown to increase productivity by up to 30%, while reducing the use of chemical pesticides.

In addition, the dissemination of information on best practices for controlling tomato pest must be constant, with the support of government agencies and research entities, such as Embrapa.

Conclusion

The fight against tomato pest requires an integrated and sustainable approach, combining constant monitoring, biological control and appropriate cultural practices, without excessive use of chemical pesticides.

This is because tomatoes are sensitive fruits, so both pests and aggressive treatments can harm the plant.

Therefore, try to identify the problem in advance and ensure appropriate treatment that is proportionate to the problem, without exaggeration.

Read also: 5 vegetables to grow all year round | AgropecNews.

Escrito por Roberta

I am a member of the AgropecNews team and I produce content about agriculture, livestock, agricultural technology, and the agricultural market. My goal is to share relevant and up-to-date information to help producers, professionals, and enthusiasts stay informed about the agricultural sector.

Atualizado em October 11, 2024